Harvey remained at category 1 strength Thursday afternoon but the National Hurricane Center says it will reach category 3 strength before landfall.
Harvey could slam into the Texas coast with winds as high as 125 miles per hour.
The major concern with Harvey is that the storm is forecast to stall shortly after landfall or stay partially over water, which could allow the storm to stay at tropical storm strength just off the coast into the start of next week. New model runs suggest a move towards Louisiana at the start of next week.
Governor Edwards has declared a state of emergency as the state braces for a possible strike from Hurricane Harvey. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says it's too early to consider evacuating the city.